Non-pneumatic tire

ABSTRACT

Various example embodiments of a non-pneumatic tire, and methods for making the same, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a non-pneumatic tire is provided, the non-pneumatic tire comprising: a tread; at least one support ring, wherein the at least one support ring and the tread are concentric; at least one base element oriented between the tread and the at least one support ring; and a hub.

BACKGROUND

Many vehicles utilize tires to provide contact between the vehicle and adriving surface such as a roadway. Tires may perform a variety offunctions, including providing traction, braking, cornering, generalhandling, vehicle support, shock absorption, and the like.

Many vehicle tires are pneumatic in nature, requiring the tire tomaintain an elevated air pressure within the tire in order to properlyoperate, especially for extended periods. However, loss of this elevatedair pressure may severely limit, or even prevent, proper operation ofthe tire.

As a result, it may be desirable in certain applications to utilize anon-pneumatic vehicle tire, which requires neither air, foam, nor othermedia to be contained within the tire for proper operation. However,non-pneumatic tires often lack the handling characteristics desired in avehicle tire. Additionally, non-pneumatic tires may be difficult tomanufacture.

What is needed is a non-pneumatic tire having improved handlingcharacteristics and/or is easier to manufacture.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a non-pneumatic tire is provided, the non-pneumatictire comprising: a tread; at least one support ring, wherein the atleast one support ring and the tread are concentric; at least one baseelement oriented between the tread and the at least one support ring;and a hub.

In another embodiment, a non-pneumatic tire is provided, thenon-pneumatic tire comprising: a tread; at least one support ring,wherein the at least one support ring and the tread are concentric; atleast one ply strip oriented between the tread and the at least onesupport ring; and a hub.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate various example systems andapparatuses, and are used merely to illustrate various exampleembodiments. In the figures, like elements bear like reference numerals.

FIG. 1 illustrates a sectional view of an example arrangement of anon-pneumatic tire.

FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional view of an example arrangement of anon-pneumatic tire.

FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of an example arrangement of anon-pneumatic tire.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of an example arrangement of anon-pneumatic tire.

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial sectional view of various examplearrangements of a non-pneumatic tire.

FIG. 6A illustrates an elevational view of an example arrangement of anon-pneumatic tire tread before assembly.

FIG. 6B illustrates an elevational view of an example arrangement of anon-pneumatic support ring before assembly.

FIG. 6C illustrates an elevational view of an example arrangement of anon-pneumatic support ring before assembly.

FIG. 7A illustrates an elevational view of an example arrangement of anon-pneumatic tire tread before assembly.

FIG. 7B illustrates an elevational view of an example arrangement of anon-pneumatic support ring before assembly.

FIG. 7C illustrates an elevational view of an example arrangement of anon-pneumatic support ring before assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example arrangement of a non-pneumatic tire 100.Tire 100 may include a tread 102, and at least one support ring 104,106. Tire 100 may include a hub 108. Tire 100 may include at least onebase element 110, 112, 114.

Non-pneumatic tire 100 may be configured to operate without air, foam,or other media requiring pressurized containment within tire 100.Non-pneumatic tire 100 may be configured for use on any of a variety ofvehicles, including for example a vehicle for operation on roadways.Non-pneumatic tire 100 may be configured for use on any of a variety ofvehicles, including for example a road vehicle such as a car, truck, orbus, an agricultural vehicle, an off-the-road vehicle, an all-terrainvehicle, and the like. Non-pneumatic tire 100 may be a tire designed fora specific season and/or condition of use, including for example,summer, winter, snow, mud, off-road, agricultural, and the like.Non-pneumatic tire 100 may be a tire designed for various seasons and/orconditions of use, including for example an all season tire.

Non-pneumatic tire 100 may be a directional tire. Non-pneumatic tire 100may be a non-directional tire. Non-pneumatic tire 100 may be configuredto exhibit a first set of handling characteristics when mounted on avehicle in a first direction, and a second set of handlingcharacteristics when mounted on a vehicle in a second direction. Thesevarious handling characteristics are described further below.

Tread 102 may include a tread compound similar to that utilized in apneumatic tire. Tread 102 may include a tread compound the same as thatutilized in a pneumatic tire. Tread 102 may include a tread compounddistinct from that utilized in a pneumatic tire.

Tread 102 may include a tread pattern (not shown) oriented on itsradially outer surface. The tread pattern may be a directional treadpattern. At least one of the orientation, design, and reinforcement ofat least one of: at least one base element 110, 112, 114, at least onesupport ring 104, 106, and a sidewall layer (not shown) may beconfigured to optimize rotation of tire 100 in a specified direction.

The tread pattern may be a non-directional tread pattern. At least oneof the orientation, design, and reinforcement of at least one of: atleast one base element 110, 112, 114, at least one support ring 104,106, and a sidewall layer (not shown) may be configured to optimizerotation of tire 100 in a specified direction.

Tread 102 may be configured to be removed from tire 100 and replaced.Tread 102 may wear through use, thus making it desirable to replacetread 102 on tire 100, rather than replacing tire 100 itself.

Tread 102 may be made independently of the remaining elements of tire100. Tread 102 may be formed from tread stock rubber, and molded in amold. Tread 102 may be molded in a flat mold, such that tread 102 issubstantially planar during molding. Tread 102 may be molded in a flatmold, such that thread 102 is not formed in a ring (i.e., as it is whenpart of tire 100) during molding. Tread 102 may be cured in asubstantially planar state. Tread 102 may be cured such that it is notformed in a ring during curing. Tread 102 may be formed and/or cured ina manner similar to tread used in tire retreading processes. A treadpattern on tread 102 may be formed in tread 102 by a single mold plate,thus eliminating flash that might result from molding of a tread patternvia a plurality of mold plates oriented adjacent one another. A treadpattern on tread 102 may be formed in tread 102 by multiple mold platestightly fitted to one another, thus eliminating flash that might resultfrom molding of a tread pattern via a plurality of mold plates orientedadjacent one another in a looser fitting.

Curing of tread 102 in a substantially planar state may have any of avariety of advantages. For example, at least one of 8^(th), 9^(th),10^(th), and 12^(th) order harmonic effects due to segmented mold curing(as may be used in curing pneumatic tires) may be reduced or eliminated.Additionally, as a result of curing tread 102 in a substantially planarstate, radial flash or “S” diameter flash from segmented mold curing maybe reduced or eliminated. Segment mold curing may involve radiallybringing together a plurality of mold segments to form an annulus. Gapsbetween adjacent mold segments may allow tread stock to flow thereinduring molding, thus creating flash on a tire tread.

Curing of tread 102 in a substantially planar state may reduce oreliminate bull-dozing of tread stock at “S” diameter due to green tiresizing. “S” diameter may be the diameter of the tire between the treadsegment lower diameter and the side plate.

Additionally, tread 102 may include a pattern that may be molded throughuse of thin bladed sipes for greater tire performance tuning, which useof thin blades sipes may be available as the result of curing in asubstantially planar state.

Curing of tread 102 in a substantially planar state may allowoptimization of tread noise patterns in tread 102. Tread base units maynot need manipulation at segment ends to optimize segment end placement,while optimizing tread noise patterns.

As a result of curing of tread 102 in a substantially planar state, tire100′s outside diameter may not be limited to the “S” diameter distanceas may be the case in pneumatic tires, or tires having tread 102otherwise molded in an annular shape. Tires may be limited in outsidediameter to “S” diameter distance as a result of container stroke in themold container.

As a result of curing of tread 102 in a substantially planar state, tire100 may be cured without use of a curing bladder. This may eliminate astep and/or element in the creation of tire 100.

Curing of tread 102 in a substantially planar state may result in a moreuniform tire diameter in tire 100.

Tire 100 may include at least one support ring 104, 106. At least onesupport ring 104, 106 may include a diameter that is less than thediameter of tread 102. At least one support ring 104, 106 may includemore than one support ring (e.g., 104 and 106), each of which may have adiameter less than the diameter of tread 102, and wherein one of whichhas a diameter less than the other. For example, support ring 106 mayhave a diameter less than support ring 104. At least one support ring104, 106 may be oriented radially inward of tread 102.

Each of at least one support ring 104, 106 may include at least onesupport ring element oriented at the same diameter. For example, supportring 104 may include a series of adjacent support ring elements orientedadjacent one another, each having the same diameter. This orientation isillustrated more clearly at FIGS. 6B, 6C, 7B, and 7C. A plurality ofindependent support ring elements may be oriented at the same diameterto form a single support ring, including for example support ring 104,106. Tire 100 may include any number of support rings, including one,two, or more. Tires 100 having a greater outside diameter may includemore support rings, while tires 100 having a smaller outside diametermay include less support rings. Tires 100 having a greater aspect ratiomay include more support rings, while tires 100 having a smaller aspectratio may include less support rings.

At least one support ring 104, 106 may be formed from any of a varietyof materials, including for example a rubber, a polymer, a metal, analloy, a composite, and the like.

At least one support ring 104, 106 may have an overall axial width thatis greater than the overall axial width of tread 102. At least onesupport ring 104, 106 may have an overall axial width that is less thanthe overall axial width of tread 102. At least one support ring 104, 106may have an overall axial width that is equal to the overall axial widthof tread 102. The overall axial width of one of at least one supportring 104, 106 relative another of at least one support ring 104, 106 mayvary. Varying the overall axial width of at least one support ring 104,106 relative another may be used to tune the load capacity of tire 100.Varying the overall axial width of at least one support ring 104, 106relative another may be used to tune the handling characteristics oftire 100. Varying the overall axial width of at least one support ring104, 106 relative another may be used to tune any tire performancecharacteristics of tire 100.

At least one support ring 104, 106 may be substantially concentric totread 102. At least one support ring 104, 106 may be non-concentric totread 102. One of at least one support ring 104, 106 may be concentricto tread 102, while another of at least one support ring 104, 106 may benon-concentric to tread 102. Varying the concentricity of at least onesupport ring 104, 106 relative another, and/or tread 102, may be used totune the handling characteristics of tire 100. Varying the concentricityof at least one support ring 104, 106 relative another, and/or tread102, may be used to tune any tire performance characteristics of tire100.

Hub 108 may be oriented radially inward of each of tread 102 and atleast one support ring 104, 106. Hub 108 may have a diameter less thanthe diameter of tread 102 and at least one support ring 104, 106.

Hub 108 may configured to engage a rim portion (not shown) of a wheel,to connect tire 100 to a vehicle. Hub 108 may be at least a portion of arim portion of a wheel, configured to connect tire 100 to a vehicle.

Hub 108 may be formed from any of a variety of materials, including forexample a rubber, a polymer, a metal, an alloy, a composite, and thelike.

Tire 100 may include at least one base element 110, 112, 114. At leastone base element may be oriented adjacent to at least one of tread 102and at least one support ring 104, 106. At least one base element 110,112, 114 may be oriented between at least one of tread 102 and at leastone support ring 104, 106. At least one base element 110 may include aplurality of base elements 110 oriented between tread 102 and a firstsupport ring, such as support ring 104. At least one base element 112may include a plurality of base elements 112 oriented between a firstsupport ring, such as support ring 104 and a second support ring, suchas support ring 106, if any. At least one base element 114 may include aplurality of base elements 114 oriented between a second support ring,such as support ring 106, if any, and hub 108. Tire 100 may be devoid ofbase elements 114 between support ring 106 and hub 108.

At least one base element 110, 112, 114 may supply load bearingcapability to tire 100. At least one base element 110, 112, 114 maysupply handling capability to tire 100. At least one base element 110,112, 114 may operatively connected at least one of tread 102, supportring 104, and support ring 106 to one another.

At least one base element 110, 112, 114 may have any of a variety ofshapes. At least one base element 110, 112, 114 may be a substantiallysolid element. At least one base element 110, 112, 114 may be asubstantially hollow element. At least one base element 110, 112, 114may be at least partially hollow. At least one base element 110, 112,114 may be a combination of substantially solid elements and at leastpartially hollow elements.

At least one base element 110, 112, 114 may include any solid or hollowshapes, including for example: a cylindrical shape, a conical shape, afrustrum shape, a square cone shape, a rectangular cone shape, anellipsoid shape, a barrel shape, a trapezoidal shape, a cubical shape, acuboid shape, a regular polygonal shape, an irregular polygonal shape,and the like.

At least one base element 110, 112, 114 may be formed from any of avariety of materials, including for example a rubber, a nylon, apolyester, a polymer, a metal, an alloy, a composite, and the like. Atleast one base element 110, 112, 114 may be formed from a single ply ofa material. At least one base element 110, 112, 114 may be formed frommultiple plies of a material.

At least one base element 110, 112, 114 may be elongated in nature, soas to have at least one side longer than an adjacent side. At least onebase element 110, 112, 114 may include a plurality of base elements 110,112, 114, and any of the plurality of base elements 110, 112, 114 may beoriented in a first direction, while another of the plurality of baseelements 110, 112, 114 may be oriented in a second direction. At leastone of at least one base element 110, 112, 114 may be oriented in afirst direction (e.g., base element 110), while another may be orientedin a second direction (e.g., base element 112). At least one of at leastone base element 110, 112, 114 may be oriented in a first direction(e.g., base element 110), while another may be oriented in a seconddirection (e.g., base element 112), and another may be oriented in athird direction (e.g., base element 114). Any of base element 110, 112,114 may be oriented in the same direction, different directions, or acombination thereof. At least one of base element 110, 112, 114 may beoriented in at least one of a circumferential direction (e.g., parallelto direction of travel of tire 100), an axial direction (e.g.,perpendicular to direction of travel of tire 100), and an inclineddirection (e.g., angled with respect to circumferential direction andaxial direction of tire 100).

At least one base element 110, 112, 114 may be connected to at least oneof tread 102, support ring 104, support ring 106, and hub 108. Tire 100may be assembled by molding independent elements and assembling thesame. In one embodiment, tread 102 is molded and/or cured independentlyof the remaining elements of tire 100. At least one support ring 104,106 may be molded and/or cured independently of the remaining elementsof tire 100. Hub 108 may be molded and/or cured independently of theremaining elements of tire 100. At least one base element 110, 112, 114may be molded and/or cured independently of the remaining elements oftire 100.

At least one base element 110 may be attached to at least one of tread102 and support ring 104 during assembly of tire 100. At least one baseelement 112 may be attached to at least one of support ring 104 andsupport ring 106 during assembly of tire 100. At least one base element114 may be attached to at least one of support ring 106 and hub 108during assembly of tire 100.

At least one base element 110, 112, 114 may be attached to at least oneof tread 102, support ring 104, 106, and hub 108 while at least one oftread 102, at least one support ring 104, 106, and hub 108 are orientedsubstantially planar. Following attachment of at least one base element110, 112, 114 to at least one of tread 102, support ring 104, 106, andhub 108, at least one of tread 102, at least one support ring 104, 106,and hub 108 may be attached to one another in a layered manner.Following attachment of at least one base element 110, 112, 114 to atleast one of tread 102, at least one support ring 104, 106, and hub 108,at least one of tread 102, support ring 104, 106, and hub 108 may beformed into a ring/annulus. In one embodiment, two or more of tread 102,at least one support ring 104, 106, and hub 108 may be layered andformed into a ring/annulus, after which the remainder of tread 102, atleast one support ring 104, 106, and hub 108 may be added to thering/annulus.

At least one base element 110, 112, 114 may be attached to at least oneof tread 102, at least one support ring 104, 106, and hub 108 in any ofa variety of manners. For example, at least one base element 110, 112,114 may be attached to at least one of tread 102, at least one supportring 104, 106, and hub 108 by at least one of mechanical clips,adhesives, and the like. As an additional example, at least one baseelement 110, 112, 114 may be attached to at least one of tread 102, atleast one support ring 104, 106, and hub 108 by curing (e.g.,crosslinking) of at least one base element 110, 112, 114 with at leastone of tread 102, at least one support ring 104, 106, and hub 108.

At least one base element 110, 112, 114 may be reinforced. At least onebase element 110, 112, 114 may be reinforced so as to increase thestrength of at least one base element 110, 112, 114. Reinforcement of atleast one base element 110, 112, 114 may affect the handlingcharacteristics of tire 100. Reinforcement of at least one base element110, 112, 114 may affect any tire performance characteristics of tire100.

Reinforcement of at least one base element 110, 112, 114 may be effectedthrough any of a variety of mechanisms. For example, where at least onebase element 110, 112, 114 is hollow, at least one ridge or fin may beoriented on at least one of an inside surface of at least one baseelement 110, 112, 114 and an outside surface of at least one baseelement 110, 112, 114. Where at least one base element 110, 112, 114 issolid, at least one ridge or fin may be oriented on an outside surfaceof at least one base element 110, 112, 114.

The at least one ridge or fin may include a raised portion extendingfrom the surface of at least one base element 110, 112, 114. The atleast one ridge or fin may be may be oriented in at least one of acircumferential direction (e.g., parallel to direction of travel of tire100), an axial direction (e.g., perpendicular to direction of travel oftire 100), and an inclined direction (e.g., angled with respect tocircumferential direction and axial direction of tire 100). The at leastone ridge or fin may be oriented in any of a variety of directions,including wherein the at least one ridge or fin includes a plurality ofridges or fins, any of which are oriented in the same direction, ordifferent directions. The at least one ridge or fin may intersectanother ridge or fin.

At least one base element 110, 112, 114 may be at least partiallyhollow. The void within at least one base element 110, 112, 114 may beat least partially filled with another material. For example, a foam,closed-cell or open-cell Styrofoam, a semi-solid material, a materialhaving different density, a material having different viscosity, amaterial having a different or variable hardness, or the like. The voidwithin at least one base element 110, 112, 114 may be filled with amaterial to provide additional strength and/or support to base element110, 112, 114. The void within at least one base element 110, 112, 114may be filled with a material to mitigate noise in tire 100. The voidwithin at least one base element 110, 112, 114 may be filled with amaterial to enhance and/or fine-tune the performance of tire 100.

Tire 100 may additionally include a sidewall layer (not shown)operatively connected to at least one of tread 102, at least one supportring 104, 106, and hub 108. The sidewall layer may be a reinforcedunderlayer.

The sidewall layer may be connected to tread 102 and hub 108. Thesidewall layer may be connected about a portion of the periphery oftread 102 and hub 108, such that the sidewall layer has an open designsimilar to a lattice design.

The sidewall layer may be at least partially load-bearing. The sidewalllayer may be minimally load-bearing. The sidewall layer may allow lessloss of momentum of tire 100 as tire 100 passes over obstacles. Thesidewall layer may improve fuel economy of tire 100 as compared to apneumatic tire. The sidewall layer may supply lateral stiffness forcornering and steering. The sidewall layer may supply no lateralstiffness for cornering and steering.

The sidewall layer may be a decorative covering configured to concealand/or protect at least one of the remaining elements of tire 100. Thesidewall layer may include indicia, ornamentation, logos, and the likepertaining to tire 100. The sidewall layer may include informationpertaining to tire 100. The sidewall layer may include one or moredecorative colors, textures, and/or designs.

The sidewall layer may be formed from any of a variety of materials,including for example a ballistic nylon, Kevlar®, or rubber. Thesidewall layer may be formed from an abrasion-resistant material. Thesidewall layer may be formed from a puncture-resistant material. Thesidewall layer may be cured with at least a portion of tire 100. Thesidewall layer may be cured independent of the remainder of tire 100.The sidewall layer may be a material that does not require curing. Thesidewall layer may be a material that does not require molding.

The sidewall layer may be attached to any of the remaining elements oftire 100 via any of a variety of mechanisms, including for example amechanical clip, adhesive, or curing as described above.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example arrangement of a non-pneumatic tire 200.Tire 200 may include a tread 202, and at least one support ring 204,206. Tire 200 may include a hub 208. Tire 200 may include at least onebase element 210, 212, 214.

Tire 200 may include at least one ply strip 216. At least one ply strip216 may be oriented between at least two of tread 202, support ring 204,and support ring 206.

At least one ply strip 216 may be configured to supply load bearing totire 200. At least one ply strip 216 may be configured to effecthandling characteristics of tire 200. At least one ply strip 216 may beconfigured to effect any tire performance characteristics of tire 200.At least one ply strip 216, independent of, or in conjunction with, atleast one base element 210, 212, 214, may be altered to effect changesin handling characteristics or any tire performance characteristics oftire 200.

At least one ply strip 216 may be formed from any of a variety ofmaterials, including for example, a rubber, a polymer, a nylon, apolyester, a composite, a metal, an alloy, and the like. At least oneply strip 216 may be formed from a single ply (i.e., layer) of material.At least one ply strip 216 may be formed from a plurality of plies ofmaterial.

At least one ply strip 216 may be attached to at least one of tread 202and at least one support ring 204, 206. At least one ply strip may beattached to hub 208. At least one ply strip 216 may be attached to atleast one of tread 202, at least one support ring 204, 206, and hub 208through any of a variety of attachment mechanisms, including for examplea clip, adhesive, or curing as described above.

At least one ply strip 216 may be attached to at least one of tread 202,at least one support ring 204, 206, and hub 208 when at least one oftread 202, at least one support ring 204, 206, and hub 208 are orientedin a substantially planar orientation. Following assembly of at leastone ply strip 216 with at least one of tread 202, at least one supportring 204, 206, and hub 208, the at least one of tread 202, at least onesupport ring 204, 206, and hub 208 may be formed into a ring/annulus.

At least one ply strip 216 may be used in conjunction with at least onebase element 210, 212, 214. As illustrated, at least one ply strip 216may be oriented between at least one base element 210, 212, 214. Atleast one ply strip 216 may be oriented between each of at least onebase element 210. At least one ply strip 216 may extend between at leastone of tread 202, support ring 204, and support ring 206. At least oneply strip 216 may extend substantially radially. At least one ply strip216 may extend at an angle inclined relative to the radial direction oftire 200. At least one ply strip 216 may extend at an angle, and mayhave alternating angles between adjacent base elements 210, 212, 214, asillustrated in FIG. 2.

At least one ply strip 216 may extend substantially circumferentially intire 200. At least one ply strip 216 may extend substantially axially intire 200. At least one ply strip 216 may extend at an angle between thecircumferential and axial directions in tire 200. At least one ply strip216 may include a plurality of ply strips 216, each of which may extendin the same direction or different directions. At least one ply strip216 may be substantially planar and elongated. At least one ply strip216 may be at least one of curved and bent.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example arrangement of a non-pneumatic tire 300.Tire 300 may include a tread 302, and at least one support ring 304.Tire 300 may include a hub 308. Tire 300 may include at least one baseelement 310, 312. Tire 300 may include at least one ply strip 316. Asillustrated, tire 300 may include only a single support ring 304.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example arrangement of a non-pneumatic tire 400.Tire 400 may include a tread 402, and at least one support ring 404,406. Tire 400 may include a hub 408. Tire 400 may include at least oneply strip 416.

As illustrated, tire 400 may be devoid of base elements. Tire 400 mayinclude a plurality of ply strips 416 arranged in a pattern. Tire 400may include a plurality of ply strips 416 oriented between at least twoof tread 402, support ring 404, support ring 406, and hub 408. In oneembodiment, tire 400 is devoid of ply strips 416 between support ring406 and hub 408. Support ring 406 and hub 408 may directly engage oneanother.

Ply strips 416 may be arranged in any of a variety of patterns capableof supporting a vehicle upon tire 400. For example, ply strips 416 maybe oriented in a “zig zag” pattern so as to form a plurality oftriangles. Ply strips 416 may be oriented substantially radially. Plystrips 416 may be oriented in a bent configuration so as to create aplurality of arches.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example arrangement of a non-pneumatic tire 500 ina substantially planar configuration before being formed into aring/annulus. Tire 500 may include a tread 502, and at least one supportring 504, 506. Tire 500 may include a hub 508. Tire 500 may include atleast one base element 510, 512, 514. Tire 500 may include at least oneply strip 516.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, at least one base element, for example, baseelement 510 may be substantially hollow. Base element 510 may be formedin the shape of a cuboid. Base element 510 may have a trapezoidalcross-section. Base element 510 may have a wall having a thickness. Baseelement 510 may include a substantially hollow interior that is incommunication with the exterior of base element 510. Base element 510may include a substantially hollow interior that is not in communicationwith the exterior of base element 510.

As illustrated, base elements 512, 514 may be either substantially solidor substantially hollow. Base elements 512, 514 may be substantiallyhollow and may have an interior that is either in communication with, ornot in communication with, the exterior of base elements 512, 514. Inone embodiment, any combination of base elements 510, 512, 514 may beincluded in tire 500, including for example any of a variety of shapes,solid structures, hollow structures, interiors in communication withexteriors, and interiors isolated from exteriors.

At least one ply strip 516 may be oriented between any of base elements510, 512, 514. At least one ply strip 516 may extend between at leasttwo of tread 502, support ring 504, support ring 506, and hub 508. Inone embodiment, tire 500 is devoid of at least one of base elements 510,512, 514. Tire 500 may be devoid of at least one of base elements 510,512, 514 and may instead include a plurality of ply strips 516 orientedbetween at least two of tread 502, support ring 504, support ring 506,and hub 508.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example arrangement of a non-pneumatic tire tread602 before assembly. Tread 602 may include a tread pattern 620. Tread602 may include a length L1.

Tread pattern 620 may be any of a variety of tire tread patterns. Treadpattern 620 may be a directional tread pattern. Tread pattern 620 may bea non-directional tread pattern. Tread pattern 620 may be a treadpattern configured for operation of a vehicle for any of a variety ofpurposes, including for example operation on a roadway, operation offthe road, operation in agricultural applications, operation in inclementweather, and the like.

FIG. 6B illustrates an example arrangement of a non-pneumatic supportring 604 before assembly. Support ring 604 may include a plurality ofsupport ring elements 630. Support ring elements 630 may be connected toone another by at least one strap 632. Support ring 604 may include alength L2.

Independent support ring elements 630 may be oriented adjacent oneanother in a single support ring 604. Use of a plurality of independentsupport ring elements 630 may improve cornering performance. That is,support ring 604 may have less tendency to “roll over” laterally duringcornering as a result of the extra flexibility in support ring 604 byvirtue of multiple support ring elements 630. Instead, support ring 604featuring multiple support ring elements 630 may facilitate a tire,including tread 602, to flex and maintain more contact with the roadwayas compared to other tires, including for example pneumatic tires.

Use of a plurality of independent support ring elements 630 may allowtread 602 to move and flex more during cornering maneuvers. The abilityof tread 602 to move and flex may increase tread life of a tireincorporating tread 602. Upon wear of tread 602 past a recommended treaddepth, damage of tread 602, or a service interval of tread 602 exceedingrecommended service life, tread 602 may be removed from a tire andreplaced with a new tread 602.

At least one strap 632 may be any of a variety of mechanical fastenerscapable of joining two or more support ring elements 630 adjacent oneanother. At least one strap 632 may be formed from any of a variety ofmaterials, including for example a rubber, a polymer, a metal, an alloy,a composite, and the like. At least one strap 632 may mechanicallycouple to two or more support ring elements 630, for example via afastener. At least one strap 632 may mechanically couple to two or moresupport ring elements 630, for example via an adhesive. At least onestrap 632 may couple to two or more support ring elements 630 viaco-curing of at least one strap 632 and two or more support ringelements 630, such that the two materials crosslink.

Support ring 604 may have a diameter less than the diameter of tread 602upon forming of a tire. Accordingly, support ring 604 may have a lessercircumference than tread 602. The circumference of support ring 604 andtread 602, once formed into a ring/annulus, is substantially equal tolengths L2 and L1, respectively. Accordingly, length L2 of support ring604 may be less than length L1 of tread 602.

FIG. 6C illustrates an example arrangement of a non-pneumatic supportring 606 before assembly. Support ring 606 may include a plurality ofsupport ring elements 640. Support ring elements 640 may be connected toone another by at least one strap 642. Support ring 606 may include alength L3.

Support ring 606 may include a plurality of support ring elements 640connected by at least one strap 642. Connection of support ring elements640, materials therein, connection mechanisms, and effects of connectionmay be substantially similar to connection of support ring elements 630in support ring 604 by at least one strap 632.

Support ring 606 may have a diameter less than the diameter of tread 602and support ring 604 upon forming of a tire. Accordingly, support ring606 may have a lesser circumference than tread 602 and support ring 604.The circumference of support ring 606, support ring 604, and tread 602,once formed into a ring/annulus, is substantially equal to lengths L3,L2, and L1, respectively. Accordingly, length L3 of support ring 606 maybe less than length L1 of tread 602 and length L2 of support ring 604.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example arrangement of a non-pneumatic tire tread702 before assembly. Tread 702 may have a tread pattern 720. Tread 702may have a length L1.

FIG. 7B illustrates an example arrangement of a non-pneumatic supportring 704 before assembly. Support ring 704 may include a plurality ofsupport ring elements 730. Support ring elements 730 may be connected toone another by at least one strap 732. Support ring 704 may include alength L2.

Support ring 704 may include at least one base element 734, 736. Atleast one base element 734, 736 may be substantially similar to baseelements described above. At least one base element 734, 736 may haveany of a variety of shapes as described above.

As an example, base element 734 may have a chevron shape, such that theouter ends of the base element are oriented circumferentially offsetfrom the center of the base element. Base element 734 may have a chevronshape such that a point is formed at about the center of base element734.

As another example, base element 736 may be oriented substantiallyaxially. Base element 736 may be substantially straight, such that theouter ends of the base element are oriented circumferentially alignedwith the center of the base element.

Base elements 734, 736 are intended for illustrative purposes only. Itshould be understood that base elements can take any of a variety ofshapes and orientations, including circumferentially-extending,axially-extending, inclined relative to one or both of thecircumferential direction and the axial direction, curved, bent, and thelike. Base elements 734, 736 may be spaced from one another. Baseelements 734, 736 may abut one another.

Base elements 734, 736 may be substantially hollow. Base elements 734,736 may be solid.

FIG. 7C illustrates an example arrangement of a non-pneumatic supportring 706 before assembly. Support ring 706 may include a plurality ofsupport ring elements 740. Support ring elements 740 may be connected toone another by at least one strap 742. Support ring 706 may include alength L3.

Support ring 706 may include at least one base element 744, 746 may besubstantially similar to base elements described above. At least onebase element 744, 746 may have any of a variety of shapes as describedabove.

For example, at least one base element 744 may be oriented such that itextends about the width of one of support ring elements 740. At leastone base element 744 may include a plurality of base elements. Theplurality of base elements may form lines of base elements 744substantially aligned with each of the plurality of support ringelements 740.

In another example, at least one base element 746 may be oriented suchthat it spans more than one support ring element 740. At least one baseelement 746 may span the entire width of support ring 706. At least onebase element 746 may span the width of two or more support ring elements740. At least one base element 746 may span a width greater than thewidth of a single support ring element 740. At least one base element746 may extend from an axially outer edge of a first support ringelement 740 to about the center of an adjacent support ring element 740.

Base elements 744, 746 are intended for illustrative purposes only. Itshould be understood that base elements can take any of a variety ofshapes and orientations, including circumferentially-extending,axially-extending, inclined relative to one or both of thecircumferential direction and the axial direction, curved, bent, and thelike. Base elements 744, 746 may be spaced from one another. Baseelements 744, 746 may abut one another.

Base elements 744, 746 may be substantially hollow. Base elements 744,746 may be solid.

Any of non-pneumatic tires 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and tires formedfrom the components illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C and 7A-7C, collectively“the tires” may be assembled by any of a variety of methods. Asdescribed above, any of various components of the tires may be cured ormolded independent of one another. As described above, any of variouscomponents of the tires may be prepared in a substantially planarorientation, after which the elements may be formed into a ring/annulusto create the tires.

In one embodiment, any of the various components of the tires may beattached to one another through any of a variety of mechanisms,including for example mechanical clips, mechanical adhesion, and curing.Any of the various components of the tires may be attached to oneanother through any combination of a variety of mechanisms.

Mechanical clips may include a fastener or other device configured forconnecting the clips to the components. Mechanical clips may beconfigured to clamp at least a portion of the components. Mechanicalclips may be configured to extend through at least a portion of thecomponents.

Adhesives may be any of a variety of adhesives used to bond elements toone another. Adhesives may require heat to cure. Adhesives may requireheat at a prescribed time interval to cure. A mold may be used tocontain elements of the tires and heat the elements to cure adhesives. Amold may be used to maintain elements in a desired orientation duringcuring. Cure times of the adhesive may be less than traditional tirecure times as at least the tread may be pre-cured.

A mold may be used to cure and crosslink elements A mold may be used tocontain elements of the tires and heat the elements to cure theelements. A mold may be used to maintain elements in a desiredorientation during curing.

The molds referenced above with respect to curing of adhesives and/ortire elements may include full-circle molds. The molds may have no treadpattern, but rather may simply support a pre-cured tread. As it isunnecessary to mold the tread during the curing process, must lessinternal pressure may be necessary to cure the tires, as the pre-curedtread does not need to be forced into a mold element to take a pattern.Additionally, use of a mold as described may eliminate the necessity ofpost-cure inflation of the tire, as the tire is non-pneumatic.

Any of the tires described herein may be directional in nature. That is,the tires may be configured to be mounted on a vehicle such that theyprimarily roll in a specified direction. Any of the tires describedherein may be non-directional.

The tread pattern of any of the tires described herein may bedirectional in nature. The tread pattern of any of the tires describedherein may be non-directional in nature.

The orientation of various elements of the tires, including for examplebase elements, ply strips, support rings, and sidewall layer may changethe footprint of the tires. In one embodiment, any of the tiresdescribed herein may have two directions of rotation, such as directionof rotation A and direction of rotation B. The tire may have a specifictread footprint when mounted on a vehicle such that direction ofrotation A is oriented with the direction of travel. The tire may have aspecific tread footprint when mounted on a vehicle such that directionof rotation B is oriented with the direction of travel. Direction ofrotation A and direction of rotation B are opposite one another.

The footprint associated with direction of rotation A may be optimizedto perform best in specific weather conditions. For example, thefootprint associated with direction of rotation A may be optimized toperform best in at least one of spring, summer, and fall conditions. Thefootprint associated with the direction of rotation A may be optimizedto perform best at common speeds for the vehicle bearing that tire,which may be for example highway speeds.

Any of the tires may have elements oriented such that the tread has lessreinforcement when the tire is operating in direction of rotation B. Thefootprint associated with direction of rotation B may be optimized toperform best in specific weather conditions. For example, the footprintassociated with direction of rotation B may be optimized to perform bestin winter conditions. The footprint associated with the direction ofrotation B may be larger than the footprint associated with thedirection of rotation A. The footprint associated with the direction ofrotation B may be optimized to perform best at common speeds for thevehicle bearing that tire in winter conditions, which may be for exampleless than highway speeds common in less inclement seasons.

The footprint associated with direction of rotation B may have anincreased length. The footprint associated with direction of rotation Bmay have an increased length in the circumferential direction. Thefootprint associated with direction of rotation B may be increased insize, and as such, may support vehicle weight over a larger surfacearea. This support of vehicle weight over a larger surface area mayresult in increased traction. Decreased reinforcement of the tread ofthe tire in direction of rotation B may cause the tire to have a smalleraspect ratio during operation of vehicle in direction of rotation B. Thevehicle may sit closer to the roadway, thus lowering the center ofgravity of the vehicle as compared to mounting of the tire withdirection of rotation A oriented in the direction of travel.

In practice, one may orient the tires on a vehicle such that directionof rotation A is aligned with the direction of travel at the beginningof less inclement seasons, such as spring, summer, and/or fall. One mayorient the tires on a vehicle such that direction of rotation B isaligned with the direction of travel at the beginning of more inclementseasons, such as winter. In another example embodiment, one may orienttires on a vehicle such that direction of rotation A is aligned with thedirection of travel when the tire is to be operated on more stablesurfaces (e.g., asphalt), and one my orient the tires on a vehicle suchthat direction of rotation B is aligned with the direction of travelwhen the tire is to be operated on less stable surfaces (e.g., mud orsand).

Any of the tires disclosed herein may be mounted on a vehicle. The tiresmay be mounted to a vehicle through a wheel having a rim portion. Therim and/or wheel may be a conventional vehicle rim or wheel. The rimand/or wheel may be specialized to accept the tires.

A rim may engage the hub of the tire. A rim may engage the radiallyinnermost support ring of the tire. A rim may engage at least one of thehub and the radially innermost support ring of the tire via aninterference fit at or near the rim's outside diameter. A rim may engageat least one of the hub and the radially innermost support ring of thetire through any of a variety of mechanisms, including for example anadhesive, mechanical fasteners, interference fit, a combination of anyof these mechanisms, and the like.

A conventional vehicle rim may engage at least one of the hub of thetire and the radially innermost support ring of the tire. The tire mayengage a conventional rim through the use of bead elements. The beadelements may selectively secure the tire to the conventional rim. Thebead elements may be attached to the tire. The bead elements may beattached to the tire through any of a variety of mechanisms, includingfor example mechanical clips, adhesives, curing, and the like. The beadelements may provide an interference fit of the tire to the rim. Thetire may be attached to the rim via any of a variety of mechanisms,including through the use of bead elements that are: bolted to the rim,forced onto the rim through tensioners, and the like.

Any of the tires disclosed herein may be prepared in any of a variety ofsizes, for example, sizes configured to fit conventional rims, sizesconfigured to fit specialized rims, sizes configured to substantiallymatch common and/or existing tire sizes, sizes configured to optimizeperformance, and the like.

Any of the tires disclosed herein may be prepared in different sizeswhile utilizing the same base elements. That is, a larger tire mayinclude more base elements oriented in a ring so as to increase thecircumference of the ring, and thus increase the diameter of the tire. Asmaller tire may include less base elements oriented in a ring so as todecrease the circumference of the ring, and thus decrease the diameterof the tire. Additionally, a larger tire may include more layers of baseelements and support rings, so as to increase the section height of thetire, measured as the tire's outside diameter less its inside diameter.A smaller tire may include less layers of base elements and supportrings, so as to decrease the section height of the tire. In this manner,common elements (e.g., base elements, support rings, and the like) maybe used in a variety of tire sizes without the need for custom elementsfor each tire size. Alternatively, custom elements (e.g., base elements,support rings, and the like) may be used in any of a variety of tiresizes.

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in thespecification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a mannersimilar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted whenemployed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extentthat the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “Aor B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B butnot both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed.Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not theexclusive use. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into”are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended toadditionally mean “on” or “onto.” To the extent that the term“substantially” is used in the specification or the claims, it isintended to take into consideration the degree of precision available orprudent in manufacturing. To the extent that the term “selectively” isused in the specification or the claims, it is intended to refer to acondition of a component wherein a user of the apparatus may activate ordeactivate the feature or function of the component as is necessary ordesired in use of the apparatus. To the extent that the term“operatively connected” is used in the specification or the claims, itis intended to mean that the identified components are connected in away to perform a designated function. As used in the specification andthe claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural.Finally, where the term “about” is used in conjunction with a number, itis intended to include ±10% of the number. In other words, “about 10”may mean from 9 to 11.

As stated above, while the present application has been illustrated bythe description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments havebeen described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of theapplicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appendedclaims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications willreadily appear to those skilled in the art, having the benefit of thepresent application. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects,is not limited to the specific details, illustrative examples shown, orany apparatus referred to. Departures may be made from such details,examples, and apparatuses without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe general inventive concept.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A non-pneumatic tire, comprising: a tread; a hub; and a support ring comprising a plurality of support ring elements, wherein the support ring, the tread, and the hub are concentric.
 22. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 21, further comprising at least one strap that couples two or more of the plurality of support ring elements to one another.
 23. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 22, wherein the strap is formed from one of a rubber, a polymer, a metal, an alloy, and a composite.
 24. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 22, wherein the at least one strap couples two or more of the plurality of support ring elements to one another via a fastener.
 25. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 22, wherein the at least one strap couples two or more of the plurality of support ring elements to one another via an adhesive.
 26. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 22, wherein the at least one strap couples two or more of the plurality of support ring elements to one another via co-curing.
 27. A non-pneumatic tire, comprising: a tread; a hub; a support ring comprising a plurality of support ring elements, wherein the support ring, the tread, and the hub are concentric; at least one strap that couples two or more of the plurality of support ring elements to one another.
 28. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 27, wherein the strap is formed from one of a rubber, a polymer, a metal, an alloy, and a composite.
 29. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 27, wherein the at least one strap couples two or more of the plurality of support ring elements to one another via a fastener.
 30. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 27, wherein the at least one strap couples two or more of the plurality of support ring elements to one another via an adhesive.
 31. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 27, wherein the at least one strap couples two or more of the plurality of support ring elements to one another via co-curing.
 32. A non-pneumatic tire, comprising: a tread; a support ring; a hub, wherein the tread, the at least one support ring, and the hub are concentric; a plurality of base elements oriented between the tread and the support ring, wherein each of the base elements is one of: circumferentially-extending, axially-extending, inclined relative to one or more of the circumferential direction and the axial direction, curved, and bent.
 33. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 32, wherein at least one of the plurality of base elements has one of a chevron shape and a substantially straight shape.
 34. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 32, wherein the plurality of base elements is circumferentially spaced from one another.
 35. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 32, wherein the plurality of base elements abuts one another.
 36. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 32, wherein the plurality of base elements is substantially hollow.
 37. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 32, wherein the plurality of base elements is substantially solid.
 38. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 32, wherein each of the plurality of base elements extends along a width of the support ring.
 39. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 32, wherein the support ring comprises a plurality of support ring elements.
 40. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 32, wherein at least one of the plurality of base elements extends across two or more support ring elements of the support ring. 